Method and apparatus for the automatic checking and quality determination of tablets or pills

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus is provided for the automatic testing of tablets or pills, discharging from a tablet machine (20). The tablets are delivered to containers (5, 6). Tablet batch samplings are removed from the tablet stream for performing a quality control function. The tablet batch samplings are tested and checked in a tablet checking device (15) according to preset quality characteristics. The containers (5, 6) are disposed on a scale (2, 3). The weight of the container including the contents of tablets is continuously measured. The weight is converted into an electrical signal, which is input into a computing and control unit (19) within the tablet checking device (15). An identification occurs for each container (5, 6). The identification is also input into the computing and control unit (19). Batch samplings are removed at preset intervals from the tablet stream discharging into the to be filled container (5, 6). The batch samplings are fed to the tablet checking device (15). The test results are stored in the computing and control unit (19) under allocation to the corresponding container (5, 6). The test results are possibly printed out onto a print substrate carrier forming a protocol for the corresponding container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method for an automatic checking and qualitydetermination of tablets or pills, where the tablets or pills are fedcontinuously from a tablet machine or pill pressing machine, as well asan apparatus for the automatic checking and quality control of tabletsor pills.

2. Brief Description of the Background of the Invention Including PriorArt

Tablets, delivered from the tablet-pressing machine, are conventionallyfilled into drums in the tablet and pill production, where one chargefor the drums represents one batch. Samples are taken at fixed and/ordefined intervals from the tablet stream delivered by the tabletmachine. These batch samplings are fed to a device for automatic qualitycontrol. The samples are subjected to various tests in this device suchas, among others, a hardness test, a thickness measurement, a diameterdetermination, weighing, calibration. The results of these tests arecompiled into reports and/or protocols. The batch samplings are removedfrom the tablet stream during the normal filling operation of the drums.The drums are automatically filled and thus the tablet stream can bedirected from a full drum to an empty drum. Such modes of operations areknown, among others, from the German Patent document DE 4,118,878-A1.

Since the withdrawal of the batch sampling occurs independently of thefilling operation of the drums, and since the drums are continued to befilled during the removal of the batch samples, it has not been possibleup to now to associate the protocols, prepared by the test device, witha specific drum. Until today it has only been possible to associate theprotocols to an entire charge. Thus, if freak stray values arediscovered within the protocols, which are not acceptable based on thepreset quality specifications, then the entire charge has to berejected, which can be associated with substantial expenditures.

A method for the quality assurance in the production of tablets hasbecome known from the German Patent document DE-3,628,757-A1. Accordingto this method, samples are withdrawn during the production of thetablets, where these samples are comprised of a plurality of tablets.The combined actual value of the weight of said plurality of tablets iscompared to the set value of the weight. The tablet-compressing machineis then readjusted corresponding to the deviation between the actualvalue and the set value in order to bring the tablet weight to the setvalue. The weight of the individual tablets of the sampling are measuredand compared with each other before a readjustment of the tabletmachine. Upon determination that one or more tablets of the samplingsdeviate substantially in their weight from the set value, the statisticsare rectified through a correcting calculation and the corrected valueis employed for readjustment. The statistical evaluation of themeasurement results as well as an automatic correcting calculation or arequest for a second batch sampling occurs as determined with the aid ofa computer. The data output of the computer is connected to a device forthe readjustment of the filling charge weight or amount. This process isemployed during the production of the tablets and does therefore notallow an association of the measurement results to a specific drumsince, as stated above, the removal of a batch sampling occursindependent of the filling operation of the drums.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Purposes of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a method and adevice for the automatic checking and quality control of tablets orpills, where the tablets or pills are fed continuously from a tabletmachine or pill pressing machine, and where an association of sampletablets, removed from a tablet stream, is possible to a specific drumwhich is in the process of being filled by the tablet machine.

It is another object of the present invention to improve the monitoringof the properties of samples taken from a product flow derived from atablet machine.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome evident from the description which follows.

2. Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention provides for a method for automatic checking andquality control of tablets or pills. A plurality of containers isdisposed on a scale. Tablets or pills are delivered quasi continuouslyfrom a tablet machine or pill machine to a plurality of containers. Theweight of the momentarily being filled container including the contentsof tablets or pills is continuously monitored. Said weight is convertedinto a corresponding electrical signal. Said electrical signal isentered continuously into a computing and control unit within a tabletchecking device or a pill checking device. An identification of eachcontainer of the plurality of containers is performed. The resultingidentification is entered into the computing and control unit. Tabletbatch samplings or pill batch samplings are withdrawn at presetintervals from a tablet stream or pill stream discharging into thecontainer presently being filled for performing an automatic qualitycontrol. The tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are fed tothe tablet checking device or pill checking device. The tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings are tested and checked in the tabletchecking device or the pill checking device according to preset qualitycharacteristics. Test results thereby obtained are stored in thecomputing and control unit under association of the test results withthe container presently to be filled. A recording of the test resultsonto a recording substrate carrier is performed to render them readableand thereby forming a protocol for the corresponding container.

Steps based on a weight change of the presently being filled containercan be employed to time a withdrawal of the batch samplings at thepreset intervals according to an increasing weight of the containerduring filling.

The steps of withdrawal can be timed to be steps of weight changes ofn-kilograms of the container being presently filled, such that thewithdrawal of one batch sampling occurs after a weight increase ofn-kilograms.

Steps based on an elapsed time period of the presently being filledcontainer can be employed to time a withdrawal of the batch samplings atthe preset intervals according to an increasing time period of a fillingprocess of the container.

The steps of withdrawal can be timed to be steps of time periods ofn-minutes, such that the withdrawal of one batch sampling occurs everyn-minutes.

Preferably, the protocols for all batch samplings are compiled for aspecific container and the protocols are printed out for all batchsamplings for a specific container at the end of a filling operation.

Preferably, there is a continuous request for an actual weight of thecontainers, a container number for identification, and a containersubstitution for identification, as well as the batch samplings by thecomputing and control unit of the tablet checking device or pillchecking device.

The solution of the object of the present invention is provided by amethod for the automatic checking and quality control of tablets orpills, continuously discharged from a tablet machine or pill-pressingmachine. The tablets or pills are discharged into a plurality ofcontainers. Tablet samples or pill samples provided in batch are removedfrom the tablet stream or pill stream for performing an automaticquality control. The tablet samples or pill samples are checked in atablet testing device or pill testing device according to specified andpredetermined quality characteristics. According to the presentinvention, each container is placed on a scale. The weight of themomentarily being filled container, including the contents of tablets orpills, is continuously measured. Said weight is converted into acorresponding electrical signal and this signal is continuously inputinto a computing and control unit within the tablet checking device orpill checking device. An identification is performed for each containerwhich is also input into the computing and control unit. Tablet samplesand pill samples are removed at preset intervals from the tablet streamor pill stream leading to the momentarily to be filled container andthese removed tablet samples and pill samples are fed to the tabletchecking device or pill checking device and are checked according topreset quality values stored in the tablet checking device or pillchecking device. The test results are stored in the computing andcontrol unit with reference to the momentarily to be filled containerand are possibly printed visually visible onto a printing carrier as aprotocol for the corresponding container.

An apparatus is provided for performing the invention method forautomatic testing and checking and for determining quality of tablets orpills discharging continuously from a tablet machine or pill machine. Aplurality of containers is provided. Tablets or pills are delivered intothe plurality of containers. A scale is connected to an electronicinterface. In each case a container of the plurality of containers isdisposed on the scale, wherein the scale is capable of continuouslymeasuring an instant weight of the container being filled and includingcontents of tablets or pills. The scale generates and emits acorresponding electrical signal through the electronic interface. Anidentification device of the container delivers an identificationsignal. Tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are tested andchecked in a tablet testing and checking device or pill testing andchecking device according to preset quality characteristics. The actualelectrical signal of the scale as well as the identification signal ofthe respective container are input through the electronic interface tothe tablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checkingdevice. An electronic computing and control unit is connected to thetablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checking device.The tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are withdrawn atpreset intervals from a tablet stream or pill stream discharging intothe container presently to be filled for performing an automatic qualitycontrol. Said tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are fed tothe tablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checkingdevice and are tested and checked. A storage and display unit isconnected to the tablet testing and checking device or pill testing andchecking device for storing and discharging test results in theirassociation with the container presently being filled. The test resultsof all batch samplings for the container presently being filled arecombined.

The electronic computing and control unit can preset intervals forremoval of the batch samplings in steps according to an increasingweight of the container during filling in a weight-controlled manner.

Preferably, the preset intervals are provided in steps of n-kilograms ofweight change of the container being filled.

The electronic computing and control unit can preset intervals forremoval of the batch samplings in steps according to elapsed timeperiods during filling the container based on a time-control.

Preferably, the preset intervals are provided in steps of n-minutes ofelapsed time during the filling of the container.

The invention method offers the outstanding advantage that this methodallows to remove batch samplings from the tablet stream by controllingeither the weight or time period, and batch samplings can be fed to thetesting and monitoring device, and the resulting protocols cansubsequently be unequivocally associated with the respective containerjust filled.

For purposes of explanation, it is assumed that the tablet weight of afully filled container amounts to 18 kilograms. The changing weight ofthe container starting from an empty state ending in a full state iscontinuously input as electrical signal through an interface of thescale to the tablet checking device or pill checking device. Thecontinuous removal of batch samplings occurs at preset intervals, forexample, based on using weight changes as control input, for example in1-kilogram steps, such that 18 batch samplings are performed percontainer in case of a final weight of 18 kilograms per filledcontainer. The protocols and test results for these batch samplings canbe printed out together, for example on a self-adhesive label, where thelabel can be attached to the corresponding container.

In the same way, the preset intervals can be time-controlled only, forexample, such that a batch sampling is removed every 10 minutes. In thismanner, 15 batch samplings can be removed and tested in case of afilling time of, for example, 150 minutes per container. It is essentialin this case that an identification or, respectively, a marking of therespective container occurs, while the container is on the scale at thatmoment and is being filled.

In an advantageous manner, the request and initialization of the batchsamplings occurs from the tablet checking device or pill checkingdevice, where the tablet checking device or pill checking deviceautomatically removes the batch samplings from the tablet stream beingfilled into a specific container. In addition, the testing and checkingsystem requests the actual weight of the container, the containernumber, and also the container substitution, where the containersubstitution can be performed either manually or automatically.

The present invention provides a method and a device for the first timein an advantageous manner, and allowing communicating between a scalehaving electronic interface and a checking and testing system in such away that the prepared protocols and test results based on testingcriteria and testing standards can be allocated directly to thecorresponding container for a plurality of batch samplings, where thecontainer is being filled or, respectively, was just filled during thetime of a removal of the respective batch samplings.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,however, both as to its construction and its method of operation,together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be bestunderstood from the following description of specific embodiments whenread in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, in which is shown a possible embodiment ofthe present invention:

FIG. 1 is a view of a schematic diagram illustrating the automatictesting apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A method is provided for automatic checking and quality control oftablets or pills, delivered quasi continuously from a tablet machine orpill machine 20. The tablets or pills are delivered to a plurality ofcontainers 5, 6. Tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings areremoved from a tablet stream or pill stream for performing an automaticquality control. The tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings aretested and checked in a tablet checking device or a pill checking device15 according to preset quality characteristics. Containers 5, 6 are ineach case disposed on a scale 2, 3. A weight of the momentarily beingfilled container including the contents of tablets or pills iscontinuously measured, wherein said weight is converted into acorresponding electrical signal. Said electrical signal is continuouslyinput into a computing and control unit 19 within the tablet checkingdevice or the pill checking device 15. An identification occurs for eachcontainer 5, 6, wherein the identification is also input into thecomputing and control unit 19. The tablet batch samplings or pill batchsamplings are removed at preset intervals from the tablet stream or pillstream discharging into the momentarily to be filled container 5, 6. Thetablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are fed to the tabletchecking device or pill checking device 15. The tablet batch samplingsor pill batch samplings are checked and tested in the tablet checkingdevice or pill checking device 15 according to preset qualitycharacteristics. Test results are stored in the computing and controlunit 19 under association with the container 5, 6 presently to befilled. The test results are possibly printed out visually visible ontoa print substrate carrier 18 forming a protocol for the correspondingcontainer.

The removal of the batch samplings at the preset intervals can occurweight-controlled in steps according to an increasing weight of thecontainer 5, 6 during filling, for example in steps of n-kilograms, suchthat the removal of one batch sampling occurs for a weight increase ofn-kilograms.

The removal of the batch samplings can occur time-controlled based onelapsed time periods, for example in steps of n-minutes, such that theremoval of one batch sampling occurs every n-minutes.

The protocols for all batch samplings for a specific container can becompiled and printed out at the end of a filling operation.

Preferably, the computing and control unit 19 of the tablet checkingdevice or pill checking device 15 continuously requests an actual weightof the containers 5, 6, a container number for identification and acontainer substitution for identification, as well as the batchsamplings.

An apparatus is provided for automatic testing and checking and fordetermining quality of tablets or pills discharging continuously from atablet machine or pill machine 20, and for delivering said tablets orpills into a plurality of containers 5, 6. Tablet batch samplings orpill batch samplings are withdrawable from a tablet stream or pillstream for performing an automatic quality control, wherein the tabletbatch samplings or pill batch samplings are tested and checked in atablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checking device15 according to preset quality characteristics. A scale 2, 3 exhibits anelectronic interface. In each case a container 5, 6 is disposed on thescale 2, 3. The scale 2, 3 is capable of continuously measuring theinstant weight of the container being filled and including the contentsof tablets or pills. The scale 2, 3 generates and emits a correspondingelectrical signal. There is included an identification device of thecontainer 5, 6. An electronic computing and control unit 19 iscoordinated to the tablet testing and checking device or pill testingand checking device 15. The actual electrical signal of the scale 2, 3as well as the identification of the respective container 5, 6 are inputthrough the electronic interface to the tablet testing and checkingdevice or pill testing and checking device 15. Tablet batch samplings orpill batch samplings are removed at preset intervals from the tabletstream or pill stream discharging into the container presently to befilled. Said tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are fed tothe tablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checkingdevice 15 and are tested and checked. A storage and display unit 16, 17is disposed in the tablet testing and checking device or pill testingand checking device 15 for storing and discharging the test resultsbased on association to the container 5, 6 presently being filled. Thetest results of all batch samplings for one container are combined.

Preferably, the preset intervals for the removal of the batch samplingsoccur in steps according to the increasing weight of the container 5, 6during the filling in a weight-controlled manner or in time intervalsonly based on a time-control, for example in steps of n-kilograms and insteps of n-minutes, respectively.

The storage and display unit can be formed by a display device 16 and bya protocol printer 17.

At least one scale is disposed on a support 1. In FIG. 1 there are showntwo scales 2, 3. Each scale 2, 3 exhibits an electronic pressure gaugeor load cell 4, 4' and an electronic interface. In each case, acontainer 5, 6 can be placed on the scale. At the same time, the supportplate 1 can be placed under a support column 7. An operator controlpanel 8 with a data-entry keyboard is disposed at the support column 7.

A separator switch 9 is connected to two outlet pipes 11, 12. The outletpipes 11, 12 are in each case coordinated to one of the containers 5, 6on the respective scales 2, 3. A feed line 10 leads into the separatorswitch 9. The feed line 10 connects to a tablet machine 20 for pressingmaterials into tablets, not illustrated. Furthermore, the separatorswitch 9 can be connected to a third outlet pipe 13 leading to a tablettesting and checking device 15. The tablet testing and checking devicecan be substituted by a pill testing and checking device and anydispensing entity testing and checking device can be employed. Thetablet testing and checking device 15 exhibits a display device 16 aswell as a protocol printer 17. In addition, the tablet testing andchecking device 15 can include a direct feed line 13' connecting to thetablet machine 20. The scales 2, 3 or, respectively, the load cells 4,4' are connected with the interfaces and an electrical feed line 14 tothe tablet testing and checking device 15.

The tablet machine 20 quasi-continuously produces tablets. These tabletsare fed through the feed line 10 to the separator switch 9. It isassumed that the container 6 is being filled at this moment. Afterplacing the container 6 onto the scale, the container 6 is identified bythe tablet testing and checking device 15 through the interface of thescale 3. The simplest identification represents a consecutive numberingof the containers which are sequentially filled. Only the exactsequential placement of the containers 5, 6 onto the scales 2, 3 and theremoval of the filled containers in sequence from the scales 2, 3 has tooccur for the identification of the individual containers. At the startof the filling operation, the tare weight of the container is enteredinto the tablet testing and checking device. In addition, the removal ofbatch samplings with the tablet testing and checking device is presetsuch that, for example, a batch sampling is removed during the fillingoperation per each n kilogram of filling weight. For this purpose, theactual weight of the container 6 is input in the tablet testing andchecking device 15. The tablet testing and checking device 15 requestsin each case a batch sampling either from the separator switch 9 throughthe outlet pipe 13 or directly from the tablet machine 20 through thedirect feed line 13' after each completion of an n kilogram step. If thecontainer contents is for example to amount to 18 kilograms, then, incase of 1-kilogram steps, 18 batch samplings have been removed andtested and checked at the end of the filling operation of the container.All protocols and test results of the batch samplings can now be printedwith a printer 17 onto a printing substrate carrier 18. Based on theidentification of the respective container, there occurs an unequivocalassociation of the batch sampling to the respective filled container.For example, the printing carrier 18 can be a self-adhesive label whichcan be attached to the respective container after the filling operationand the establishment of all protocols. The separator switch 9 canautomatically switch to a second empty container 5, where in themeantime the second empty container has been placed in position afterthe end weight level of the first container 6 has been reached.

If it is determined during the checking of the protocols that the presetquality standards of the tablets or pills have not been met in specificprotocols, then only the contents of the respective container has to beseparated out and discarded and not the entire charge comprising aplurality of containers.

The object of the present invention shows substantial commercialapplication and utility in the pharmaceutical industry in the productionand processing of tablets or pills since with the invention method or,respectively, the invention system, batch samplings are removed eitherweight-controlled or time-controlled from the tablet stream and are fedto the tablet testing and checking device. Subsequently, the protocolscan be unequivocally and non-confusingly associated with the just filledor, respectively, just being filled container in a useful manner.

Pills are in general small, round solid dosage forms containing amedicinal agent and intended for oral administration. Pills and tabletsmay be defined as solid pharmaceutical dosage forms, frequently to beadministered orally.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types ofquality control systems and methods differing from the types describedabove.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied inthe context of a method and system for the automatic checking andquality specification of tablets or pills, it is not intended to belimited to the details shown, since various modifications and structuralchanges may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of thepresent invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims.
 1. A method for automatic checking andquality control of tablets or pills comprisingdisposing a plurality ofcontainers on a scale; delivering tablets or pills quasi continuouslyfrom a tablet machine or pill machine to a plurality of containers;monitoring continuously the weight of the momentarily being filledcontainer including contents of tablets or pills; converting said weightinto a corresponding electrical signal; entering continuously saidelectrical signal into a computing and control unit within a tabletchecking device or a pill checking device; identifying each container ofthe plurality of containers; entering the resulting identification intothe computing and control unit; withdrawing at preset intervals tabletbatch samplings or pill batch samplings from a tablet stream or pillstream discharging into the container presently being filled forperforming an automatic quality control; feeding the tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings to the tablet checking device or pillchecking device; testing and checking the tablet batch samplings or pillbatch samplings in the tablet checking device or the pill checkingdevice according to preset quality characteristics; storing therebyobtained test results in the computing and control unit underassociation of the test results with the container presently to befilled; recording the test results onto a recording substrate carrier torender them readable and thereby forming a protocol for thecorresponding container.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising the step ofemploying steps based on a weight change of thepresently being filled container to time a withdrawal of the batchsamplings at the preset intervals according to an increasing weight ofthe container during filling.
 3. The method according to claim 2,further comprising the step oftiming the steps of withdrawal to be stepsof weight changes of n-kilograms of the container being presentlyfilled, such that the withdrawal of one batch sampling occurs after aweight increase of n-kilograms.
 4. The method according to claim 1,further comprising the step ofemploying steps based on an elapsed timeperiod of the presently being filled container to time a withdrawal ofthe batch samplings at the preset intervals according to an increasingtime period of a filling process of the container.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 4, further comprising the step oftiming the steps ofwithdrawal to be steps of time periods of n-minutes, such that thewithdrawal of one batch sampling occurs every n-minutes.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising the step ofcompiling theprotocols for all batch samplings for a specific container and printingout the protocols for all batch samplings for a specific container atthe end of a filling operation.
 7. The method according to claim 1further comprising the steps ofcontinuously requesting an actual weightof the containers, a container number for identification, and acontainer substitution for identification, as well as the batchsamplings by the computing and control unit of the tablet checkingdevice or pill checking device.
 8. A method for automatic checking andquality control of tablets or pills, delivered quasi continuously from atablet machine or pill machine (20), wherein the tablets or pills aredelivered to a plurality of containers (5, 6), wherein tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings are removed from a tablet stream orpill stream for performing an automatic quality control, wherein thetablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are tested and checked ina tablet checking device or a pill checking device (15) according topreset quality characteristics, wherein(a) containers (5, 6) are in eachcase disposed on a scale (2, 3), wherein a weight of the momentarilybeing filled container including contents of tablets or pills iscontinuously measured, wherein said weight is converted into acorresponding electrical signal, and wherein said electrical signal iscontinuously input into a computing and control unit (19) within thetablet checking device or the pill checking device (15), (b) anidentification occurs for each container (5, 6), wherein theidentification is also input into the computing and control unit (19),(c) the tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are removed atpreset intervals from the tablet stream or pill stream discharging intothe momentarily to be filled container (5, 6), wherein the tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings are fed to the tablet checking deviceor pill checking device (15), and wherein the tablet batch samplings orpill batch samplings are checked and tested in the tablet checkingdevice or pill checking device (15) according to preset qualitycharacteristics, (d) test results are stored in the computing andcontrol unit (19) under association with the container (5, 6) presentlyto be filled, and wherein the test results are possibly printed outvisually visible onto a print substrate carrier (18) forming a protocolfor the corresponding container.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein removal of the batch samplings at the preset intervals occursweight-controlled in steps according to an increasing weight of thecontainer (5, 6) during filling, for example in steps of n-kilograms,such that the removal of one batch sampling occurs for a weight increaseof n-kilograms.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein removal ofthe batch samplings occurs time-controlled based on elapsed timeperiods, for example in steps of n-minutes, such that the removal of onebatch sampling occurs every n-minutes.
 11. The method according to claim8, wherein the protocols for all batch samplings for a specificcontainer are compiled and printed out at the end of a fillingoperation.
 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the computingand control unit (19) of the tablet checking device or pill checkingdevice (15) continuously requests an actual weight of the containers (5,6), a container number for identification and a container substitutionfor identification, as well as the batch samplings.
 13. An apparatus forautomatic testing and checking and for determining quality of tablets orpills discharging continuously from a tablet machine or pill machinecomprisinga plurality of containers, wherein tablets or pills aredelivered into the plurality of containers; a scale connected to anelectronic interface, wherein in each case a container of the pluralityof containers is disposed on the scale, wherein the scale is capable ofcontinuously measuring an instant weight of the container being filledand including contents of tablets or pills, and wherein the scalegenerates and emits a corresponding electrical signal through theelectronic interface; an identification device of the containerdelivering an identification signal; a tablet testing and checkingdevice or pill testing and checking device, wherein tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings are tested and checked in the tablettesting and checking device or pill testing and checking deviceaccording to preset quality characteristics, and wherein the actualelectrical signal of the scale as well as the identification signal ofthe respective container are input through the electronic interface tothe tablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checkingdevice; an electronic computing and control unit connected to the tablettesting and checking device or pill testing and checking device, whereinthe tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are withdrawn atpreset intervals from a tablet stream or pill stream discharging intothe container presently to be filled for performing an automatic qualitycontrol, and wherein said tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplingsare fed to the tablet testing and checking device or pill testing andchecking device and are tested and checked; a storage and display unitconnected to the tablet testing and checking device or pill testing andchecking device for storing and discharging test results in theirassociation with the container presently being filled, and wherein thetest results of all batch samplings for the container presently beingfilled are combined.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, whereinthe electronic computing and control unit presets intervals for removalof the batch samplings in steps according to an increasing weight of thecontainer during filling in a weight-controlled manner.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the preset intervals areprovided in steps of n-kilograms of weight change of the container beingfilled.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the electroniccomputing and control unit presets intervals for removal of the batchsamplings in steps according to elapsed time periods during filling thecontainer based on a time-control.
 17. The apparatus according to claim16, wherein the preset intervals are provided in steps of n-minutes ofelapsed time during the filling of the container.
 18. An apparatus forautomatic testing and checking and for determining quality of tablets orpills discharging continuously from a tablet machine or pill machine(20), and for delivering said tablets or pills into a plurality ofcontainers (5, 6), wherein tablet batch samplings or pill batchsamplings are withdrawable from a tablet stream or pill stream forperforming an automatic quality control, wherein the tablet batchsamplings or pill batch samplings are tested and checked in a tablettesting and checking device or pill testing and checking device (15)according to preset quality characteristics, comprising(a) a scale (2,3) exhibiting an electronic interface, wherein in each case a container(5, 6) is disposed on the scale (2, 3), wherein the scale (2, 3) iscapable of continuously measuring the instant weight of the containerbeing filled and including the contents of tablets or pills, and whereinthe scale (2, 3) generates and emits a corresponding electrical signal,(b) an identification device of the container (5, 6), (c) an electroniccomputing and control unit (19) coordinated to the tablet testing andchecking device or pill testing and checking device (15), wherein theactual electrical signal of the scale (2, 3) as well as theidentification of the respective container (5, 6) are input through theelectronic interface to the tablet testing and checking device or pilltesting and checking device (15), wherein tablet batch samplings or pillbatch samplings are removed at preset intervals from the tablet streamor pill stream discharging into the container presently to be filled,and wherein said tablet batch samplings or pill batch samplings are fedto the tablet testing and checking device or pill testing and checkingdevice (15) and are tested and checked, (d) a storage and display unit(16, 17) disposed in the tablet testing and checking device or pilltesting and checking device (15) for storing and discharging the testresults based on association to the container (5, 6) presently beingfilled, and wherein the test results of all batch samplings for onecontainer are combined.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, whereinthe preset intervals for the removal of the batch samplings occur insteps according to the increasing weight of the container (5, 6) duringthe filling in a weight-controlled manner or in time intervals onlybased on a time-control, for example in steps of n-kilograms and insteps of n-minutes, respectively.
 20. The apparatus according to claim18, wherein the storage and display unit is formed by a display device(16) and by a protocol printer.